Gravity-driven power generation (gpg) system

ABSTRACT

An apparatus for gravity-based power generation is described in this disclosure. The apparatus may include: a main shaft; a plurality of radially extending arm assemblies that may be attached to the main shaft from their proximal ends and may be rotatable with the main shaft in a vertical trajectory. Each arm assembly may include an arm and a weight assembly mounted on the arm. Each arm may be configured with an adjustable length and each weight assembly may be configured with an adjustable mass and an adjustable position on its respective arm. The arm assemblies may be kept in a continuous rotational movement along the vertical trajectory by changing at least one of the adjustable length, the adjustable mass, and the adjustable position in predefined regions along the vertical trajectory.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of priority from pending U.S.Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/341,106, filed on May 25,2016, and entitled “GENERATION OF ELECTRICITY BASED ON GRAVITY,” whichis incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present application generally relates to a power generationmechanism, specifically to a gravity-driven power generation mechanism,and more specifically to a gravity power generation system andapparatus.

BACKGROUND

Many power stations around the world rely on fossil fuels as theirenergy resource. Fossil fuels are non-renewable energy sources thatpollute the environment. Other energy resources, such as wind, water,nuclear energy, etc., may suffer from disadvantages of being dependenton geographical conditions or being dangerous or require a high level ofmaintenance.

Gravitational potential energy may be considered as an independentrenewable energy source that may be used to generate power andelectricity. In order to utilize the gravitational energy, new systemsand devices must be introduced in the art that are capable ofcontinuously converting the gravitational potential energy intomechanical and electrical energy.

SUMMARY

The following brief summary is not intended to include all features andaspects of exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, nor does itimply that the claimed aspects must include all features and aspectsdiscussed in this summary.

In one general aspect, the present disclosure describes a system andapparatus for gravity-based power generation. The system and apparatus,according to this general aspect, may include: a main shaft; a pluralityof radially extending arm assemblies that may be attached to the mainshaft from their proximal ends and may be rotatable therewith in avertical trajectory. Each arm assembly may include an arm and a weightassembly attached to the distal end of the arm. Each arm may beconfigured with an adjustable length. The arm assemblies may be kept ina continuous rotational movement along the vertical trajectory bychanging the adjustable length in predefined regions along the verticaltrajectory and the rotational movement of the arm assemblies urges theshaft to rotate about its longitudinal axis.

In another implementation, the main shaft may be connected to anelectric generator, either directly or through a gearbox. In anotherimplementation, the main shaft may be connected to an electric generatorthrough a clutching system and a gearbox.

In some implementations, the plurality of radially extending armassemblies may be equally spaced around the main shaft. The plurality ofradially extending arm assemblies may include at least two radiallyextending arms equally spaced around the main shaft. In otherimplementations, the plurality of radially extending arm assembliesinclude three radially extending arms equally spaced around the mainshaft. The three radially extending arm assemblies may be separated byan angle of 120°.

According to one implementation, the predefined regions may include anincrease region and a decrease region. The increase region may be aregion where the adjustable length may be increased and the decreaseregion may be a region where the adjustable length may be decreased.

According to some implementations, the vertical trajectory may be avertical circular trajectory that covers a 360° arc about thelongitudinal axis of the main shaft. The predefined regions may includean increase region covering 30° of the vertical circular trajectory anda decrease region covering 30° of the vertical circular trajectory. Inanother implementation, the predefined regions may include an increaseregion covering 60° of the vertical circular trajectory and a decreaseregion covering 60° of the vertical circular trajectory.

According to some implementations, the predefined regions may include anincrease region covering 30° of the vertical circular trajectory from 0°to 30° and a decrease region covering 30° of the vertical circulartrajectory from 180° to 210°. According to other implementations, thepredefined regions may include an increase region covering 60° of thevertical circular trajectory from 330° to 30° and a decrease regioncovering 60° of the vertical circular trajectory from 150° to 210°.

According to some implementations, the system and apparatus of thepresent disclosure may further include a vertical base and the mainshaft may be mounted on the vertical base.

According to one implementation, each arm may include: a fixed armsection defining a sliding track; and a retractable arm section slidablyreceivable within the sliding track. The length of the arm may beadjustable by sliding the retractable arm section in and out of thesliding track.

According to one implementation, the fixed arm section may include twoparallel beams that may be configured to define the sliding track. Alinear actuator may be mounted on the arm and may be coupled to theretractable arm section. The linear actuator may be configured to drivethe sliding movement of the retractable arm section in and out of thesliding track. According to an implementation, the linear actuator maybe a rotary actuator coupled with a ball screw mechanism. According toanother implementation, the linear actuator may be a rotary actuatorcoupled with a gear and chain mechanism.

In another general aspect, the system and apparatus, according to thisgeneral aspect, may include: a main shaft; a plurality of radiallyextending arm assemblies that may be attached to the main shaft fromtheir proximal ends and may be rotatable therewith in a verticaltrajectory. Each arm assembly may include an arm and a weight assemblyattached to the distal end of the arm. Each weight assembly may beconfigured with an adjustable mass. The arm assemblies may be kept in acontinuous rotational movement along the vertical trajectory by changingthe adjustable mass in predefined regions along the vertical trajectoryand the rotational movement of the arm assemblies urges the shaft torotate about its longitudinal axis.

According to an implementation, the predefined regions may include anincrease region that is a region in which the adjustable mass may beincreased and a decrease region that is a region in which the adjustablemass may be decreased. In an implementation, the increase region may bea region covering 30° of the vertical circular trajectory from 0° to30°. According to an implementation, the decrease region may be a regioncovering 30° of the vertical circular trajectory from 120° to 150°.

In an implementation, the increase region may be a region covering 60°of the vertical circular trajectory from 330° to 30°. According to animplementation, the decrease region may be a region covering 60° of thevertical circular trajectory from 90° to 150°.

According to one implementation, each weight assembly may be configuredto receive a fluid therein and the adjustable mass may be decreased byloading the fluid into the weight assembly and the adjustable mass maybe decreased by discharging the fluid out of the weight assembly.

According to some implementations, each weight assembly may include: acylinder having an inlet and an outlet; and a piston movably disposedwithin the cylinder. The piston may include a piston rod that may becoupled to a linear actuating mechanism. The linear actuating mechanismmay be configured to drive a forward linear movement and a backwardlinear movement of the piston inside the cylinder. The piston rod may becoupled to a linear actuating mechanism that may be configured to drivea forward linear movement and a backward linear movement of the pistoninside the cylinder. The forward movement of the piston may load thefluid via the inlet into the cylinder and the backward movement of thepiston may discharge the fluid via the outlet out of the cylinder.

According to some implementations, the linear actuating mechanism mayinclude a pneumatic jack connected to an air compressor.

According to yet another general aspect, the system and apparatus,according to this general aspect, may include: a main shaft; a pluralityof radially extending arm assemblies that may be attached to the mainshaft from their proximal ends and may be rotatable therewith in avertical trajectory. Each arm assembly may include an arm and a weightassembly mounted on the arm. Each weight assembly may be configured withan adjustable position on its respective arm. The arm assemblies may bekept in a continuous rotational movement along the vertical trajectoryby changing the adjustable position in predefined regions along thevertical trajectory and the rotational movement of the arm assembliesurges the shaft to rotate about its longitudinal axis.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

While the specification concludes with claims particularly pointing outand distinctly claiming the subject matter that is regarded as formingthe present application, it is believed that the application will bebetter understood from the following description taken in conjunctionwith the accompanying DRAWINGS, where like reference numerals designatelike structural and other elements, in which:

FIGS. 1A-1C illustrate an exemplary gravitational power generatingsystem, according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 2A and 2B show exemplary implementations of the gravitationalpower generating system that utilizes dynamic change of mass of weightassemblies, according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 3A and 3B show exemplary implementations of the gravitationalpower generating system that utilizes dynamic change of length of armassemblies, according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 4A and 4B show exemplary implementations of the gravitationalpower generating system that utilizes dynamic change of position ofweight assemblies, according to one or more aspects of the presentdisclosure.

FIGS. 5A and 5B show exemplary implementations of the gravitationalpower generating system that utilizes dynamic change of length of armassemblies and mass of weight assemblies, according to one or moreaspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 is a schematic of an exemplary implementation of a gravitationalpower generating apparatus, according to one or more aspects of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 7A is a perspective view of an exemplary implementation of an armassembly, according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7B is a top view of the arm assembly of FIG. 7A.

FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplary implementation of a weight assembly,according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 9 is a sectional view of an exemplary implementation of a weightassembly, according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 10 illustrates an exemplary implementation of an arm assembly infully retracted and fully extended positions, according to one or moreaspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 11 illustrates a front view of an exemplary implementation of aweight assembly, according to one or more aspects of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 12 shows an exemplary implementation of a Sprocket wheel actuatingmechanism for extending/retracting a retractable arm section, accordingto one or more aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 13 illustrates a perspective view of a main shaft coupled to agenerator, according to exemplary implementations of the presentdisclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are setforth by way of examples in order to provide a thorough understanding ofthe relevant teachings. However, it should be apparent that the presentteachings may be practiced without such details. In other instances,well known methods, procedures, components, and/or circuitry have beendescribed at a relatively high-level, without detail, in order to avoidunnecessarily obscuring aspects of the present teachings.

For purposes of explanation, specific nomenclature is set forth toprovide a thorough understanding of the present disclosure. However, itwill be apparent to one skilled in the art that these specific detailsare not required to practice the principle consistent with the presentdisclosure. Descriptions of exemplary embodiments are provided only asrepresentative examples. Various modifications to the exemplaryembodiments will be readily apparent to one skilled in the art, and thegeneral principles defined herein may be applied to otherimplementations and applications without departing from the scope of theprinciples of the present disclosure. The present disclosure is notintended to be limited to the implementations shown, but is to beaccorded the widest possible scope consistent with the principles andfeatures disclosed herein.

Described in exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure is a systemand apparatus for generating power from gravitational potential energy.The gravitational power generating system and apparatus as describedaccording to several aspects of the present disclosure may be suited forutilizing gravitational potential energy to generate mechanical power.

The gravitational power generating system may include a main shaft, anumber of radially extended arm assemblies attached to the main shaftand rotatable therewith. The arm assemblies may be configured to berotatable in a vertical circular trajectory about the longitudinal axisof the main shaft. In order to create a rotational movement in the mainshaft, the arm assemblies may be configured such that a largergravitational energy is converted into rotational kinetic energy as thearm assemblies rotate downwardly in one half of the circular trajectory(i.e., falling trajectory) compared to the gravitational energy neededfor rotating the arm assemblies upwardly in the other half (i.e., risingtrajectory). In an aspect, an external input power may be utilized toincrease the potential energy of the arm assemblies in the fallingtrajectory and to reduce the potential energy required for pulling upthe arm assemblies in the rising trajectory to keep the arm assembliesin continuous rotation along the vertical circular trajectory. As thearm assemblies travel in the vertical circular trajectory, the mainshaft attached with the arm assemblies also rotates about itslongitudinal axis, thereby generating torque. The input power utilizedto trigger the continuous rotation of the main shaft may be amplified bythe gravitational power generator. In an aspect, the rotational movementof the main shaft may produce enough torque that could be geared up toprovide either mechanical power or to drive an electrical powergenerator. In the following, the working principle behind thegravity-driven power generating system (hereinafter “GPG” system) of thepresent disclosure is described in detail utilizing some exemplaryimplementations, without intending to be bound by any particular theory.

FIGS. 1A-1C are schematic representations of an example implementationof a GPG system, according to one or more aspects of the presentdisclosure. Referring to FIG. 1A, the GPG system 100 may include a mainshaft 104 and a number of radially extended arm assemblies that may beattached to the main shaft 104. The arm assemblies may be equally spacedaround the main shaft 104. Referring to the exemplary implementationshown in FIG. 1A, three arm assemblies 101, 102, and 103 may be attachedto the main shaft 104. The arm assemblies 101, 102, and 103 may beseparated by an angle of about 120°.

Referring to FIGS. 1A-1C, each arm assembly, for example arm assembly101, may include an arm 105 a with an adjustable length, and a weightassembly 106 a mounted on the arm 105 a. The weight assembly 106 a mayhave an adjustable mass and an adjustable position on its respective arm105 a. Similarly, arm assembly 102, may include an arm 105 b with anadjustable length, and a weight assembly 106 b mounted on the arm 105 b.The weight assembly 106 b may have an adjustable mass and an adjustableposition on the arm 105 b. Arm assembly 103 may include an arm 105 cwith an adjustable length, and a weight assembly 106 c mounted on thearm 105 c. The weight assembly 106 c may have an adjustable mass and anadjustable position on the arm 105 c. In an implementation, armassemblies 101, 102, and 103 may be configured with similar structures.

Referring to FIGS. 1A-1C, the arm assemblies 101, 102, and 103 may beconfigured to be rotatable with the main shaft 104 along a verticalcircular trajectory 108. It should be known that the arm assemblies 101,102, and 103 may rotate clock-wise or counter-clockwise along trajectory108. In the implementation shown in FIGS. 1A-1C, the arm assemblies areconfigured to travel along the circular trajectory 108 in a clockwisemanner. Therefore, the arm assemblies 101, 102, and 103 may fall downalong the right half of trajectory 108 and rise up in the left half oftrajectory 108. As used herein, the right half of trajectory 108 from360° (i.e., 0° C.) to 180°, is called right side trajectory, and theleft half of trajectory 108 from 180° to 360°, is called left sidetrajectory.

According to a general aspect, the GPG system may operate by dynamicallychanging three variables (i.e., length of the arms, position of theweight assemblies on the arms, and mass of the weight assemblies),either individually or in combination.

Referring to FIGS. 1A-1C, in an aspect, well planned and dynamic changesin the mass of weight assemblies 106 a-c may be utilized to keep the GPGsystem 100 in continuous operation (i.e., continuous rotation of mainshaft 104). Weight assemblies 106 a-c may be configured to allow formaking changes to their masses. According to some implementations, themass of weight assemblies 106 a-c may be changed, for example byintroducing/discharging a fluid into or out of the weight assemblies 106a-c. Once a weight assembly is filled with the fluid, its mass is at amaximum level and once a weight assembly is empty, its mass is at aminimum level. According to other implementations, the weight assemblies106 a-c may be in fluid connection via a number of connecting tubes 107a-c that may be configured to allow for a weight assembly to dischargeits contents to the next weight assembly and so on.

FIG. 1A shows an exemplary starting position for the arm assemblies 101,102, and 103. Referring to FIG. 1A, arm assembly 101 may be positionedat a vertical angle of 60°. Weight assembly 106 a that is mounted on thearm 105 a may be filled with a fluid to increase its mass to its maximumlevel. Arm assembly 102 may be separated from arm assembly 101 by 120°and it may be positioned at a vertical angle of 180° with its weightassembly 106 b completely empty corresponding to a minimum mass. Armassembly 103 may be separated from arm assembly 102 by 120° and it maybe positioned at a vertical angle of 300° with its weight assembly 106 ccompletely empty corresponding to a minimum mass. In this position, armassembly 101 possesses a higher potential energy due to its higher mass.As arm assembly 101 is released, its potential energy may be convertedinto a high rotational kinetic energy, and it may fall and travel alongthe right side trajectory in the direction shown by arrow 109. As armassembly 101 falls, arm assemblies 102 and 103 having less masses, maybe pulled up along the left side trajectory.

FIG. 1B, shows an exemplary intermediate position for the arm assemblies101, 102, and 103. Referring to FIG. 1B, as arm assembly 101 reaches theend of the right side trajectory, the fluid in weight assembly 106 a maybe discharged via connecting tube 107 a into weight assembly 106 c ofarm assembly 103, which has now reached the top of trajectory 108. Asarm assembly 101 reaches the end of the right side trajectory at avertical angle of 180° its contents may be completely discharged intoweight assembly 106 c of arm assembly 103 (as shown in FIG. 1C).Referring to FIG. 1C, in this position, arm assembly 103 is at itsmaximum mass, and similar to what was described for arm assembly 101,the arm assembly 103 may now fall down with a high rotational kineticenergy and travel along the circular trajectory 108 and pull up armassemblies 101 and 102 having less mass and therefore requiring lesspotential energy to move up against gravity. This dynamic change in massof weight assemblies 106 a-c keeps the arm assemblies 101-103 incontinuous rotation along trajectory 108. As the arms assemblies 101,102, and 103 travel the circular trajectory 108, the main shaft 104attached with the arm assemblies 101, 102, and 103 also rotates aboutits longitudinal axis. In this implementation, dynamic changes in themass of the arm assemblies 101, 102, and 103 may keep the main shaft 104in continuous rotation.

FIGS. 2A and 2B show how the dynamic change of the mass of weightassemblies 106 a-c may be planned to keep the main shaft 104 in acontinuous rotation. Referring to FIGS. 2A and 2B, an increase region111 and a decrease region 112 may be defined. The increase region 111may be defined as a region in which the mass of a weight assembly isincreased via, for example, loading a fluid inside the weight assembly.Referring to the implementation shown in FIG. 2A, the increase region111 may be a 30° arc along trajectory 108 from a vertical angle of, forexample about 360° to a vertical angle of about 30°. Referring toanother implementation shown in FIG. 2B, the increase region 111′ may bea 60° arc from a vertical angle of, for example about 330° to a verticalangle of about 30°. The moment an arm assembly crosses the increaseregion 111 or 111′ along the circular trajectory 108, the fluid may beloaded inside its respective weight assembly in order to increase themass of the arm assembly.

Referring to FIGS. 2A and 2B, the decrease region 112 may be defined asa region in which the mass of a weight assembly is decreased via, forexample, discharging the fluid out of the weight assembly. Referring tothe implementation shown in FIG. 2A, the decrease region 112 may be a30° arc from a vertical angle of, for example about 120° to a verticalangle of about 150°. Referring to the implementation shown in FIG. 2B,the decrease region 112′ may be a 60° arc from a vertical angle of, forexample about 90° to a vertical angle of about 150°. The moment an armassembly crosses the decrease region 112 or 112′ along the circulartrajectory 108, the fluid is discharged from its corresponding weightassembly in order to decrease the mass of the arm assembly.

In the implementation shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, a relatively smallamount of external energy may be needed for loading/discharging thefluid into and out of weight assemblies 106 a-c. This external energymay be consumed, for example, as input energy of a pump or any otherdevices or mechanisms that may be utilized to load/discharge the fluidin and out of weight assemblies.

Referring to the implementation shown in FIG. 2A, as the arm assembly101 crosses the increase region 111, a fluid may be loaded inside itsrespective weight assembly 106 a, thereby increasing its mass.Concurrently, arm 102 may cross decrease region 112 and the fluid may bedischarged from its respective weight assembly 106 b, and its mass maybe decreased. Heavier arm 101 may fall along the circular trajectory 108with a high kinetic energy and may raise lighter arm assemblies 102 and103 against gravity. Then, as the arm assembly 101, crosses the decreaseregion 112 and its mass is decreased, the arm assembly 103 crosses theincrease region 111, fluid may be loaded inside its respective weightassembly 106 c and its mass may be increased. Now, heavier arm 103 mayfall along the circular trajectory 108 with a high kinetic energy andmay raise lighter arm assemblies 101 and 102 against gravity. Then, asthe arm assembly 103, crosses the decrease region 112 and its mass isdecreased, the arm assembly 102 crosses the increase region 111, fluidmay be loaded inside its respective weight assembly 106 b and its massmay be increased. Now, heavier arm 102 may fall along the circulartrajectory 108 with a high kinetic energy and may raise lighter armassemblies 101 and 103 against gravity. As the arm assemblies 101-103travel along the circular trajectory 108 in this manner, the main shaft104 attached with the arm assemblies 101-103 may also rotate about itslongitudinal axis.

Referring to the implementation shown in FIG. 2B, as the arm assembly101 crosses the increase region 111′, a fluid may be loaded inside itsrespective weight assembly 106 a, thereby increasing its mass.Concurrently, arm 102 may cross decrease region 112′ and the fluid maybe discharged from its respective weight assembly 106 b, and its massmay be decreased. Heavier arm 101 may fall along the circular trajectory108 with a high kinetic energy and may raise lighter arm assemblies 102and 103 against gravity. Then, as the arm assembly 101 crosses thedecrease region 112′ and its mass is decreased, the arm assembly 103crosses the increase region 111′ fluid may be loaded inside itsrespective weight assembly 106 c and its mass is increased. Now, heavierarm 103 may fall along the circular trajectory 108 with a high kineticenergy and may raise lighter arm assemblies 101 and 102 against gravity.Then, as the arm assembly 103, crosses the decrease region 112′ and itsmass is decreased, the arm assembly 102 crosses the increase region111′, fluid may be loaded inside its respective weight assembly 106 band its mass may be increased. Now, heavier arm 102 may fall along thecircular trajectory 108 with a high kinetic energy and may raise lighterarm assemblies 101 and 103 against gravity. As the arm assemblies101-103 travel along the circular trajectory 108 in this manner, themain shaft 104 attached with the arm assemblies 101-103 may also rotateabout its longitudinal axis.

According to an implementation, the weight assemblies 106 a-c may beconfigured such that the discharge line 107 b of weight assembly 102 maybe connected to the input of weight assembly 101; the discharge line 107a of weight assembly 101 may be connected to the input of weightassembly 103; and the discharge line 107 c of weight assembly 103 may beconnected to input of weight assembly 102. According to animplementation, once an arm assembly crosses a decrease region, thefluid inside its respective weight assembly may be discharged intoanother weight assembly of an arm assembly which is crossing an increaseregion. Therefore, a fixed amount of oil can be used in the system.

Referring to FIGS. 3A and 3B, in an aspect, well planned and dynamicchanges in the length of the arms 105 a-c may be utilized to keep theGPG system 100 in continuous operation. Arms 105 a-c may be configuredwith fixed arm portions and retractable portions 110 a-c to allow formaking changes to their length. According to some implementations, thelength of arms 105 a-c may be changed, for example byextending/retracting the retractable portions 110 a-c of the arms 105a-c. Once a retractable portion of an arm is fully extended, length ofthe arm is at a maximum level and once the retractable portion is fullyretracted, the length of the arm is at a minimum level. In an exemplaryembodiment, in a fully extended state, the length of an arm may beextend to double a standard arm length in an extended state, and in aretracted state, the length of the arm may be one-half the standard armlength. In another exemplary embodiment, the length of the arm mayextend to 1.5 times a standard arm length in an extended state, whilemay retract to length that is ⅔rds the size of the standard arm length.

FIGS. 3A and 3B show how the dynamic change of length of the arms 105a-c may be planned to keep the main shaft 104 in a continuous rotation.Referring to FIGS. 3A and 3B, an increase region 111 and a decreaseregion 113 may be defined. The increase region 111 may be defined as aregion in which the length of an arm may be increased via, for example,extending a retractable portion of the arm. Referring to theimplementation shown in FIG. 3A, the increase region 111 may be a 30°arc along trajectory 108 from a vertical angle of, for example about360° to a vertical angle of about 30°. Referring to anotherimplementation shown in FIG. 3B, the increase region 111′ may be a 60°arc from a vertical angle of, for example about 330° to a vertical angleof about 30°. The moment an arm assembly crosses the increase region 111or 111′ along the circular trajectory 108, the retractable portion ofthe arm may be extended in order to increase the length of the armassembly.

Referring to FIGS. 3A and 3B, the decrease region 113 may be defined asa region in which the length of an arm may be decreased via, forexample, retracting a retractable portion of the arm. Referring to theimplementation shown in FIG. 3A, the decrease region 113 may be a 30°arc along trajectory 108 from a vertical angle of, for example about180° to a vertical angle of about 210°. Referring to the implementationshown in FIG. 3B, the decrease region 113′ may be a 60° arc from avertical angle of, for example about 150° to a vertical angle of about210°. The moment an arm assembly crosses the decrease region 113 or 113′along the circular trajectory 108, the retractable portion of the armmay be retracted in order to decrease the length of the arm assembly.

In the implementation shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, a relatively smallamount of external energy may be needed for extending/retracting theretractable portions 110 a-c of arms 105 a-c. This external energy maybe consumed, for example, as input energy of an actuator that may becoupled to the retractable portion to drive its linear motion from afully retracted position to a fully extended position.

Referring to the implementation shown in FIG. 3A, as the arm assembly101 crosses the increase region 111, its respective retractable portion110 a may be extended, thereby increasing the length of arm assembly101. Arm 102 crosses decrease region 113 and its respective retractableportion 110 b may be retracted, and its length may be decreased. Longerarm 101 may fall along the circular trajectory 108 with a high kineticenergy and may raise shorter arm assemblies 102 and 103 against gravity.Then, as the arm assembly 101, crosses the decrease region 113 and itslength is decreased, the arm assembly 103 crosses the increase region111, its respective retractable portion 110 c may be extended and itslength is increased. Now, longer arm 103 may fall along the circulartrajectory 108 with a high kinetic energy and may raise shorter armassemblies 101 and 102 against gravity. Then, as the arm assembly 103,crosses the decrease region 113 and its length is decreased, the armassembly 102 crosses the increase region 111, its respective retractableportion 110 b may be extended and its length is increased. Now, longerarm 102 may fall along the circular trajectory 108 with a high kineticenergy and may raise shorter arm assemblies 101 and 103 against gravity.As the arm assemblies 101-103 travel along the circular trajectory 108in this manner, the main shaft 104 attached with the arm assemblies101-103 may also rotate about its longitudinal axis.

Referring to the implementation shown in FIG. 3B, as the arm assembly101 crosses the increase region 111′, its respective retractable portion110 a may be extended, thereby increasing the length of arm assembly101. Concurrently, arm 102 crosses decrease region 113′ and itsrespective retractable portion 110 b may be retracted, and its lengthmay be decreased. Longer arm 101 may fall along the circular trajectory108 with a high kinetic energy and may raise shorter arm assemblies 102and 103 against gravity. Then, as the arm assembly 101, crosses thedecrease region 113′ and its length is decreased, the arm assembly 103crosses the increase region 111′, its respective retractable portion 110c may be extended and its length is increased. Now, longer arm 103 mayfall along the circular trajectory 108 with a high kinetic energy andmay raise shorter arm assemblies 101 and 102 against gravity. Then, asthe arm assembly 103, crosses the decrease region 113′ and its length isdecreased, the arm assembly 102 crosses the increase region 111′, itsrespective retractable portion 110 b may be extended and its length isincreased. Now, longer arm 102 may fall along the circular trajectory108 with a high kinetic energy and may raise shorter arm assemblies 101and 103 against gravity. As the arm assemblies 101-103 travel along thecircular trajectory 108 in this manner, the main shaft 104 attached withthe arm assemblies 101-103 may also rotate about its longitudinal axis.

Referring to FIGS. 4A and 4B, in an aspect, well planned and dynamicchanges in the position of weight assemblies 106 a-c on their respectivearms 105 a-c may be utilized to keep the GPG system 100 in continuousoperation. Arm assemblies 101-103 may be configured to allow forchanging the position of weight assemblies 106 a-c along definedpathways 115 a-c on their respective arms 105 a-c. Moving a weightassembly to the distal end of its respective arm may correspond toextending the length of the arm to a maximum. Moving a weight assemblytowards the proximal end of its respective arm may correspond toreducing the length of arm. As used herein, increasing the position of aweight assembly, means moving a weight assembly towards the distal endof its respective arm and decreasing the position of a weight assemblymeans moving the weight assembly towards the proximal end of itsrespective arm.

FIGS. 4A and 4B show how the dynamic change of the position of weightassemblies 106 a-c on their respective arms 105 a-c may be planned tokeep the main shaft 104 in a continuous rotation. Referring to FIGS. 4Aand 4B, an increase region 111 and a decrease region 113 may be defined.The increase region 111 may be defined as a region in which a weightassembly may be moved towards the distal end of its respective arm.Referring to the implementation shown in FIG. 4A, the increase region111 may be a 30° arc along trajectory 108 from a vertical angle of, forexample about 360° to a vertical angle of about 30°. Referring toanother implementation shown in FIG. 4B, the increase region 111′ may bea 60° arc from a vertical angle of, for example about 330° to a verticalangle of about 30°. The moment an arm assembly crosses the increaseregion 111 or 111′ along the circular trajectory 108, its respectiveweight assembly may move towards the distal end of the arm.

Referring to FIGS. 4A and 4B, the decrease region 113 may be defined asa region in which a weight assembly moves towards the proximal end ofits respective arm in a defined pathway. Referring to anotherimplementation shown in FIG. 4A, the decrease region 113 may be a 30°arc from a vertical angle of, for example about 180° to a vertical angleof about 210°. Referring to the implementation shown in FIG. 4B, thedecrease region 113′ may be a 60° arc from a vertical angle of, forexample about 150° to a vertical angle of about 210°. The moment an armassembly crosses the decrease region 113 or 113′ along the circulartrajectory 108, its respective weight assembly may move towards theproximal end of the arm.

In the implementation shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, a relatively smallamount of external energy may be needed for moving the weight assemblies106 a-c on their respective arms 105 a-c. This external energy may beconsumed, for example, as input energy of an actuator that may becoupled to the weight assemblies to drive their linear movement along apredefined pathway. According to some implementations, the predefinedpathway may be defined as a path that may start from the proximal endsof the arms to a point on the arm with a distance of about a quarter ofthe length of the arms from their distal ends.

Referring to the implementation shown in FIG. 4A, as the arm assembly101 crosses the increase region 111, its respective weight assembly 106a may move on pathway 115 a towards it distal end. Arm 102 crossesdecrease region 113 and its respective weight assembly 106 b may move onpathway 115 b towards its proximal end. The arm 101 with its weightassembly 106 a in its distal end may fall along the circular trajectory108 with a high kinetic energy and may raise the arm assemblies 102 and103 with their weight assemblies 106 b, 106 c away from their distalend, against gravity. Then, as the arm assembly 101, crosses thedecrease region 113 and its weight assembly 106 a moves on pathway 115 atowards its proximal end, the arm assembly 103 crosses the increaseregion 111 and its weight assembly 106 c moves on pathway 115 c to itsdistal end. Now, the arm 103 may fall along the circular trajectory 108with a high kinetic energy and may raise arm assemblies 101 and 102against gravity. Then, as the arm assembly 103, crosses the decreaseregion 113 and its weight assembly 106 c moves on pathway 115 c towardsits proximal end, the arm assembly 102 crosses the increase region 111and its weight assembly 106 b moves on pathway 115 b to its distal end.Now, the arm 102 may fall along the circular trajectory 108 with a highkinetic energy and may raise arm assemblies 101 and 103 against gravity.As the arm assemblies 101-103 travel along the circular trajectory 108in this manner, the main shaft 104 attached with the arm assemblies101-103 may also rotate about its longitudinal axis.

Referring to the implementation shown in FIG. 4B, as the arm assembly101 crosses the increase region 111′, its respective weight assembly 106a may move on pathway 115 a towards it distal end. Concurrently, arm 102crosses decrease region 113′ and its respective weight assembly 106 bmay move on pathway 115 b towards its proximal end. The arm 101 with itsweight assembly 106 a in its distal end may fall along the circulartrajectory 108 with a high kinetic energy and may raise the armassemblies 102 and 103 with their weight assemblies 106 b, 106 c awayfrom their distal end, against gravity. Then, as the arm assembly 101,crosses the decrease region 113′ and its weight assembly 106 a moves onpathway 115 a towards its proximal end, the arm assembly 103 crosses theincrease region 111′ and its weight assembly 106 c moves on pathway 115c to its distal end. Now, the arm 103 may fall along the circulartrajectory 108 with a high kinetic energy and may raise arm assemblies101 and 102 against gravity. Then, as the arm assembly 103, crosses thedecrease region 113′ and its weight assembly 106 c moves on pathway 115c towards its proximal end, the arm assembly 102 crosses the increaseregion 111′ and its weight assembly 106 b moves on pathway 115 b to itsdistal end. Now, the arm 102 may fall along the circular trajectory 108with a high kinetic energy and may raise arm assemblies 101 and 103against gravity. As the arm assemblies 101-103 travel along the circulartrajectory 108 in this manner, the main shaft 104 attached with the armassemblies 101-103 may also rotate about its longitudinal axis.

Referring to FIGS. 5A and 5B, in an aspect, well planned and dynamicchanges in both the length of the arms 105 a-c and mass of weightassemblies 106 a-c may be utilized to keep the GPG system 100 incontinuous operation. Referring to FIGS. 5A and 5B, an increase region111 and two decrease regions 112 and 113 may be defined. The increaseregion 111 may be defined as a region in which the length of an arm andthe mass of its respective weight assembly may be increased. Referringto the implementation shown in FIG. 5A, the increase region 111 may be a30° arc along trajectory 108 from a vertical angle of, for example about360° to a vertical angle of about 30°. Referring to anotherimplementation shown in FIG. 3B, the increase region 111′ may be a 60°arc from a vertical angle of, for example about 330° to a vertical angleof about 30°. The moment an arm assembly crosses the increase region 111or 111′ along the circular trajectory 108, the retractable portion ofthe arm may be extended in order to increase the length of the armassembly and a fluid may be loaded inside its respective weight assemblyin order to increase the mass of the arm assembly.

Referring to FIGS. 5A and 5B, a decrease region 112 may be defined as aregion in which the mass of a weight assembly may be decreased andanother decrease region 113 may be defined as a region in which thelength of a corresponding arm may be decreased. Referring to theimplementation shown in FIG. 3A, the decrease region 113 may be a 30°arc from a vertical angle of, for example about 180° to a vertical angleof about 210° and the decrease region 112 may be a 30° arc from avertical angle of, for example about 120° to a vertical angle of about150°. Referring to another implementation shown in FIG. 3B, the decreaseregion 113′ may be a 60° arc from a vertical angle of, for example about150° to a vertical angle of about 210°. The decrease region 112′ may bea 60° arc from a vertical angle of, for example about 90° to a verticalangle of about 150°. The moment an arm assembly crosses the decreaseregion 112 or 112′ along the circular trajectory 108, the fluid may bedischarged from its corresponding weight assembly in order to decreasethe mass of the arm assembly and the moment the arm passes the decreaseregion 113 or 113′ along the circular trajectory 108, the retractableportion of the arm may be retracted in order to decrease the length ofthe arm assembly.

Referring to the implementation shown in FIG. 5A, as the arm assembly101 crosses the increase region 111, its respective retractable portion110 a may be extended, thereby increasing the length of arm assembly 101and concurrently a fluid may be loaded inside its respective weightassembly 106 a, thereby increasing its mass. Concurrently, arm assembly102 crosses decrease region 112 and the fluid may be discharged from itsrespective weight assembly 106 b, and its mass may be decreased, then asarm assembly 102 crosses decrease region 113 its respective retractableportion 110 b may be retracted, and its length may be decreased as well.Longer and heavier arm 101 may fall along the circular trajectory 108with a high kinetic energy and may raise shorter and lighter armassemblies 102 and 103 against gravity. Then, as the arm assembly 101,crosses the decrease region 112 and its mass is decreased, the armassembly 103 crosses the increase region 111 and its length and mass areincreased. After that the arm assembly 101, crosses the decrease region113 and its length is decreased as well. Now, longer and heavier arm 103may fall along the circular trajectory 108 with a high kinetic energyand may raise shorter and lighter arm assemblies 101 and 102 againstgravity. Then, as the arm assembly 103, crosses the decrease region 112and its mass is decreased, the arm assembly 102 crosses the increaseregion 111 and its length and mass are increased. After that the armassembly 103, crosses the decrease region 113 and its length isdecreased as well. Now, longer and heavier arm 102 may fall along thecircular trajectory 108 with a high kinetic energy and may raise shorterand lighter arm assemblies 101 and 103 against gravity. As the armassemblies 101-103 travel along the circular trajectory 108 in thismanner, the main shaft 104 attached with the arm assemblies 101-103 mayalso rotate about its longitudinal axis.

Referring to the implementation shown in FIG. 5B, as the arm assembly101 crosses the increase region 111′, its respective retractable portion110 a may be extended, thereby increasing the length of arm assembly 101and concurrently a fluid may be loaded inside its respective weightassembly 106 a, thereby increasing its mass. Concurrently, arm assembly102 crosses decrease region 112′ and the fluid may be discharged fromits respective weight assembly 106 b, and its mass may be decreased,then as arm assembly 102 crosses decrease region 113′ its respectiveretractable portion 110 b may be retracted, and its length may bedecreased as well. Longer and heavier arm 101 may fall along thecircular trajectory 108 with a high kinetic energy and may raise shorterand lighter arm assemblies 102 and 103 against gravity. Then, as the armassembly 101, crosses the decrease region 112′ and its mass isdecreased, the arm assembly 103 crosses the increase region 111′ and itslength and mass are increased. After that the arm assembly 101, crossesthe decrease region 113′ and its length is decreased as well. Now,longer and heavier arm 103 may fall along the circular trajectory 108with a high kinetic energy and may raise shorter and lighter armassemblies 101 and 102 against gravity. Then, as the arm assembly 103,crosses the decrease region 112′ and its mass is decreased, the armassembly 102 crosses the increase region 111′ and its length and massare increased. After that the arm assembly 103, crosses the decreaseregion 113′ and its length is decreased as well. Now, longer and heavierarm 102 may fall along the circular trajectory 108 with a high kineticenergy and may raise shorter and lighter arm assemblies 101 and 103against gravity. As the arm assemblies 101-103 travel along the circulartrajectory 108 in this manner, the main shaft 104 attached with the armassemblies 101-103 may also rotate about its longitudinal axis.

In an implementation, the main shaft 104 may be coupled with anelectricity generator and it may provide the generator with enoughtorque to generate electricity, which will be described in more detaillater in this disclosure.

FIG. 6 illustrates one example of a GPG apparatus 600 configured toprovide an example implementation of the FIGS. 1-5 GPG system 100.Referring to the example implementation shown FIG. 6, the GPG apparatus600 may include three arm assemblies 101-103 that may be attached to amain shaft 104. The main shaft 104 may be mounted on a base 114.According to other implementations, the GPG apparatus 600 may includeany number of arm assemblies. The base 114 may be configured to provideenough elevation for the arm assemblies 101-103 to be able to rotate ina vertical circular trajectory. As shown in FIG. 6, arm assemblies101-103 may include arms 105 a-c having adjustable lengths and weightassemblies 106 a-c having adjustable mass and adjustable positions ontheir respective arms. According to an implementation, the arms 105 a-cmay be configured with a fixed length and the weight assemblies 106 a-cmay be configured with an adjustable mass and a fixed position on theirrespective arms. According to another implementation, the arms 105 a-cmay be configured with a fixed length and the weight assemblies 106 a-cmay be configured with a fixed mass but an adjustable position on theirrespective arms. According to yet another implementation, the arms 105a-c may be configured with an adjustable length and the weightassemblies 106 a-c may be configured with an adjustable mass and a fixedposition on their respective arms. It should be understood by readingthis disclosure, that any combination of dynamic changes in adjustablevariables (i.e., length of the arms, mass of the weight assembly, andposition of the weight assemblies on their respective arms) may beutilized to keep the GPG apparatus of this disclosure in continuousoperation.

FIG. 7A illustrates a perspective view of an arm assembly 700,configured to provide an example implementation of FIGS. 1-5 armassemblies 101-103. FIG. 7B is a top view of the arm assembly 700.

Referring to FIGS. 7A and 7B, arm assembly 700, may include an arm 701having a fixed arm section 702 a and a retractable arm section 702 b anda weight assembly 703 that may be attached to the distal end of theretractable arm section 702 b. The fixed arm section 702 a may includeat least one beam. Referring to FIGS. 7A and 7B the fixed arm section702 a may include two beams 704 a-b with intermediate bracing 705. Thetwo beams 704 a-b may be attached to a main shaft 706 via a flangeconnection 707. Beams 704 a-b may be configured to form a sliding track713. The retractable arm section 702 b may include two beams 708 a-bwith intermediate bracing 709. Beams 708 a-b may be configured as asliding member which may be slidably received in the sliding track 713formed by beams 704 a-b. Referring to FIG. 11, beams 704 a-b may have anI or H cross section. Beams 708 a-b may be slidably receivable insideU-shaped channels 710 of beams 704 a-b. The weigh assembly 703 may beattached at the distal end of the retractable arm section 702 b betweenbeams 708 a-b via two attachment members 711 a-b at either sides. Beams708 a-b may be configured with a C-shaped cross section and may beconfigured to house a plurality of sliding wagons 712 that may beutilized to make the sliding movement of beams 708 a-b smoother. Theretractable arm section 702 b may be slidably movable inside the slidingtrack 713 defined by beams 704 a-b of the fixed arm section 702 a.

In an implementation, a first actuating mechanism 714 may be utilized todrive the linear sliding movement of the retractable arm section 702 binside the sliding track 713 defined by beams 704 a-b. Referring to theimplementation shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, the first actuating mechanism714 may include a rotary actuator 715 that may be coupled with a ballscrew mechanism 716. The ball screw mechanism 716 may be attached to theretractable arm section 702 b and it may be configured to transform therotational movement of the rotary actuator 715 into a linear slidingmovement of the retractable arm section 702 b along axis 717. FIG. 10illustrates an example of a fully extended retractable arm section 131and a fully retracted retractable arm section 132. It should be known byreading this disclosure that the first actuating mechanism 714 may beany other linear actuating mechanism that can be utilized to drive thesliding movement of the retractable arm section 702 b. Referring to FIG.12, for example a gear and chain mechanism 121 may be used to drive thesliding movement of the retractable arm section 702 b. The gear andchain mechanism 121 may include a rotary actuator 122, an input gear123, chain 124, and an output gear 125 and it may be configured to drivea sliding movement of the retractable arm section 702 b between a fullyextended to a fully retracted position. With further reference to FIG.12, in an implementation, the weight assembly 703 may be configured witha cubic shape.

FIG. 8 illustrates a weight assembly 800 configured to provide anexample implementation of weight assemblies 106 a-c (visible andnumbered in FIGS. 1-5). Weight assembly 800 may be configured with acylinder and piston configuration. The weight assembly 800 may include acylinder 801, a piston (obscured from view in FIG. 8) disposed withinthe cylinder 801, an inlet 803, and an outlet 804. The inlet 803 andoutlet 804 may be provided with valves 805 and 806. The inlet valve 805may be attached to a hose 807 to receive a fluid and outlet valve 806may be attached to a hose 808 to discharge the fluid. The inlet valve805 may be a one-way valve that may only allow loading the fluid intothe cylinder 801. The outlet valve 806 may be a one-way valve that mayonly allow discharging the fluid from the cylinder 801. Referring toFIG. 9, the piston 802 may be movable inside the cylinder 801 along axis809. The linear movement of the piston 802 inside the cylinder 801 maybe driven by a linear actuator that may be coupled to piston rod 810.Referring to FIGS. 8, 7A-7B the linear actuator may be a pneumatic jack811 that receives compressed air from a compressor 812 mounted on thearm 701. In another implementation, jack 811 may be a hydraulic jackthat receives oil from an oil pump mounted on the arm 701. In yetanother implementation, a motor can be coupled with the piston 802 todrive its linear movement inside the cylinder 801. Referring to FIG. 9,as the piston 802 moves forward in the direction shown by arrow 813 itsucks the fluid in the cylinder 801 through the inlet valve 805 and asit moves backwards in the direction shown by arrow 814, it dischargesthe fluid via the outlet valve 806. Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, thepneumatic jack 811 may be coupled with the piston rod 810 of the weightassembly 800 and upon actuation it may urge the piston 802 to move inand load the fluid in cylinder 801 or to move out and discharge thefluid form cylinder 801.

According to some implementations where the mass of the arm assembliesremains constant throughout the GPG operation, the weight assemblies maybe replaced with solid weights with a constant mass.

According to other implementations where the length of the arm remainsconstant, the retractable arm section may be fixed at its fully extendedposition, or the arm may be constructed without a retractable sectionbut with a length equal to an arm with a fully extended retractablesection.

Referring to FIGS. 7A and 7B, in some implementations, the fixed armsection 702 a may include two sections, namely, a first section 718 thatmay be configured to be attached to the main shaft 706; a second section719 that may be connected to the first section 718 using a flangeconnection 720 and may be configured to define the sliding track 713 forthe retractable arm section 702 b.

In some implementations, the fixed arm section 702 a may be configuredwith a length of about 3L with a first section 718 with an L length anda second section 719 with a 2L length; the retractable arm section 702 bmay be configured with a length of L. L designates an arbitrary length.In some implementations, L may be at least 1 meter. According to otherimplementations, L may be at least 6 meters.

FIG. 13 illustrates an exemplary implementation of main shaft 104connection to an electricity generator 133. According to thisimplementation, the main shaft 104 may be coupled with an electricitygenerator 133 and it may provide the generator 113 with enough torque togenerate electricity. Referring to FIG. 13, main shaft 104 may bemounted between tow bearing units 136 a-b in order to facilitate itsrotational movement. Main shaft 104 may be coupled to a clutching system134 and the clutching system 134 may be coupled to a gear box 135 andthe gearbox 135 may be coupled with the shaft of the generator 133.According to some implementations, the main shaft 104 may be coupled totwo generators from either sides. In an implementation the clutchingsystem 134 may be configured to engage and disengage the powertransmission from main shaft 104 to generator 133. In anotherimplementation, the gearbox 135 may be configured to provide speed andtorque conversions from main shaft 104 to generator 133.

Now the working principle behind the GPG system and apparatus of thepresent disclosure is described referring to increase and decreaseregions defined in FIGS. 2-5 and exemplary embodiments andimplementations shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B.

Changing the Mass of an Arm Assembly

Referring to FIGS. 2A and 2B, the moment an arm assembly crosses theincrease region 111 or 111′ along the circular trajectory 108, a fluidmay be loaded inside its respective weight assembly in order to increasethe mass of the arm assembly. Referring to FIGS. 7B, 8, and 9, accordingto some implementations, in order to load the fluid (e.g., oil) into theweight assembly 800, pneumatic jack 811 upon actuation via receivingpressurized air from compressor 812 pushes piston rod 810 and therebyurges piston 802 to move forward in the direction shown by arrow 813. Asthe piston 802 moves forward, the fluid may be loaded inside cylinder801 via inlet 803 to increase the mass of weight assembly 800.

Referring to FIGS. 2A and 2B, the moment an arm assembly crosses thedecrease region 112 or 112′ along the circular trajectory 108, the fluidmay be discharged from its corresponding weight assembly in order todecrease the mass of the arm assembly. Referring to FIGS. 7B, 8, and 9,according to some implementations, in order to discharge the fluid(e.g., oil) from the weight assembly 800, pneumatic jack 811 uponactuation via receiving pressurized air from compressor 812 pulls pistonrod 810 and thereby urges piston 802 to move backwards in the directionshown by arrow 814. As the piston 802 moves backwards, the fluid may bedischarged from cylinder 801 via outlet 804 to decrease the mass ofweight assembly 800.

Changing the Length of an Arm Assembly

Referring to FIGS. 3A and 3B, the moment an arm assembly crosses theincrease region 111 or 111′ along the circular trajectory 108, theretractable portion of the arm may be extended in order to increase thelength of the arm assembly. Referring to FIGS. 7A and 7B, rotaryactuator 715 coupled with ball screw mechanism 716 may be utilized todrive the linear extending movement of retractable arm section 702 balong axis 717. The ball screw mechanism 716 may transform therotational movement of rotary actuator 715 in a first direction intoextending linear motion of retractable arm section 702 b.

Referring to FIGS. 3A and 3B, the moment an arm assembly crosses thedecrease region 113 or 113′ along the circular trajectory 108, theretractable portion of the arm may be retracted in order to decrease thelength of the arm assembly. Referring to FIGS. 7A and 7B, rotaryactuator 715 coupled with ball screw mechanism 716 may be utilized todrive the linear retracting movement of retractable arm section 702 balong axis 717. The ball screw mechanism 716 may transform therotational movement of rotary actuator 715 in a direction opposite thefirst direction into retracting linear motion of retractable arm section702 b.

Referring to FIG. 12, in another implementation, a gear-chain mechanism121 may be utilized to transform the rotational movement of rotaryactuator 122 into extending/retracting linear motion of retractable armsection 702 b.

The GPG system and apparatus according to one or more aspects of thepresent disclosure, may amplify the external input energy that isconsumed to change the length, weight or a combination of length andweight of the arm assemblies in well planned intervals. The dynamicchange in length of the arm assemblies or the dynamic change in the massor position of the weight assemblies may trigger the gravitationalpotential energy on the arm assemblies and may urge the arm assembliesalong with the main shaft to continuously rotate in the verticalcircular trajectory. The rotational kinetic energy of the main shaft maycreate enough torque to be transferred to a generator via a gearbox toproduce electricity. According to some implementations, a cascade of theGPG system and apparatus, as described in this disclosure, may beutilized to multiply the produced electrical energy.

While the foregoing has described what are considered to be the bestmode and/or other examples, it is understood that various modificationsmay be made therein and that the subject matter disclosed herein may beimplemented in various forms and examples, and that the teachings may beapplied in numerous applications, only some of which have been describedherein. It is intended by the following claims to claim any and allapplications, modifications and variations that fall within the truescope of the present teachings.

The scope of protection is limited solely by the claims that now follow.That scope is intended and should be interpreted to be as broad as isconsistent with the ordinary meaning of the language that is used in theclaims when interpreted in light of this specification and theprosecution history that follows and to encompass all structural andfunctional equivalents.

It will be understood that the terms and expressions used herein havethe ordinary meaning as is accorded to such terms and expressions withrespect to their corresponding respective areas of inquiry and studyexcept where specific meanings have otherwise been set forth herein.Relational terms such as first and second and the like may be usedsolely to distinguish one entity or action from another withoutnecessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or orderbetween such entities or actions. The terms “comprises,” “comprising,”or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusiveinclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus thatcomprises a list of elements does not include only those elements butmay include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to suchprocess, method, article, or apparatus. An element proceeded by “a” or“an” does not, without further constraints, preclude the existence ofadditional identical elements in the process, method, article, orapparatus that comprises the element.

1-27. (canceled)
 28. An apparatus for gravity-based power generation,the apparatus comprising: a main shaft connected to an electricgenerator; and a plurality of radially extending arm assemblies attachedto the main shaft from their proximal ends and rotatable therewith in avertical trajectory, wherein each arm assembly of the arm assembliesincludes a respective adjustable mass attached to the distal end of thearm and has a respective adjustable length, wherein the arm assembliesare kept in a continuous rotational movement along the verticaltrajectory by changing the respective adjustable mass and the respectiveadjustable length for each arm assembly in predefined regions along thevertical trajectory, and wherein the rotational movement of the armassemblies urges the shaft to rotate about its longitudinal axis. 29.The apparatus according to claim 28, wherein the predefined regionsinclude an increase region and a decrease region.
 30. The apparatusaccording to claim 29, wherein: the increase region is a region whereinthe respective adjustable mass is increased and the adjustable length isincreased, and the decrease region is a region wherein the respectiveadjustable mass is decreased and the respective length is decreased. 31.The apparatus according to claim 30, wherein the respective adjustablemass is increased by adding fluid to the respective adjustable mass andthe respective adjustable mass is decreased by removing fluid from therespective adjustable mass.
 32. The apparatus according to claim 31,wherein the increase region covers 30° of the vertical circulartrajectory from 0° to 30° and a decrease region covers 30° of thevertical circular trajectory from 180° to 210°.
 33. A method forgenerating gravity-based power generation, comprising: causingrotational movement of a plurality of radially extending arm assembliesthat are attached to a main shaft of a power generator from theirproximal ends and rotatable therewith in a vertical trajectory by:changing a respective adjustable mass attached do a respective distalend and a respective adjustable length for each arm assembly of the armassemblies in predefined regions along the vertical trajectory.
 34. Themethod according to claim 33, wherein the predefined regions include anincrease region and a decrease region.
 35. The method according to claim34, wherein the increase region is a region wherein the respectiveadjustable mass is increased and the adjustable length is increased, andthe decrease region is a region wherein the respective adjustable massis decreased and the respective length is decreased.
 36. The methodaccording to claim 35, wherein the respective adjustable mass isincreased by adding fluid to the respective adjustable mass and therespective adjustable mass is decreased by removing fluid from therespective adjustable mass.
 37. The method of claim 36, wherein theincrease region covers 30° of the vertical circular trajectory from 0°to 30° and a decrease region covers 30° of the vertical circulartrajectory from 180° to 210°.